9:14 So the Lord cut off Israel’s head and tail,
both the shoots and stalk
9:15 The leaders and the highly respected people
the prophets who teach lies are the tail.
9:16 The leaders of this nation were misleading people,
and the people being led were destroyed.
9:17 So the sovereign master was not pleased
he took no pity
for the whole nation was godless
every mouth was speaking disgraceful words.
Despite all this, his anger does not subside,
and his hand is ready to strike again.
18:16 Below his roots dry up,
and his branches wither above.
9:16 Ephraim will be struck down
their root will be dried up;
they will not yield any fruit.
Even if they do bear children,
I will kill their precious offspring.
2:9 For Israel’s sake I destroyed the Amorites.
They were as tall as cedars
and as strong as oaks,
but I destroyed the fruit on their branches
and their roots in the ground.